Throughout September and October, Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership (CRP) hosted a series of walks offering support for physical and mental health.

The project was delivered in collaboration with Conwy Mind, made possible through funding from Avanti West Coast and Transport for Wales.

The walks were tailored to meet the unique needs of different groups within the community, offering participants a chance to connect with nature while improving their overall wellbeing.

The three types of walks were:

• Men’s Walks: Dedicated to men of all ages, this series encouraged participants to improve their mental and physical health through regular activity, meaningful conversations, and building lasting friendships. It provided a space for men to connect and support each other in a relaxed, natural setting.
• Menopause Walks: Specifically designed for women navigating the challenges of menopause, these walks offered a nurturing environment to connect with others on a similar journey. Participants shared experiences, found support, and enjoyed the therapeutic benefits of nature during this important life stage.
• Youth Walks: Targeted at young people aged 18-24, the youth walks encouraged participants to step away from screens, engage with the natural environment, and develop healthy habits. The walks provided a fun and inclusive opportunity to make new friends, learn about the environment, and establish a foundation for long-term wellbeing.

Maria Nolan, ‘get active’ coordinator at Conwy Mind, said: “Rails to Trails is an exciting new programme of supported Wellbeing Walks for Conwy residents. This series of group walks offered unique opportunities to explore the local area, connect with nature and find community within.”

Melanie Lawton, community rail strategic lead at Transport for Wales, said: “It’s been wonderful to see how this project has helped people connect and has encouraged them to explore our wonderful communities and the outdoors more. We hope projects like Rails to Trails continue to create awareness that there are many walks that can be reached by a simple train journey, for a chance to get some exercise, visit a new area and improve wellbeing.”

Jo Buckley, community manager at Avanti West Coast, said: “We want to support causes that matter most to communities along our route, so we’re proud to have played a part in helping people in Conwy take care of their physical and mental wellbeing through this valuable project.

“People taking part have been able to connect with others who have a shared experience and enjoy nature in locations that can easily be reached by train – creating a sense of community and making a positive difference to their wellbeing. We hope it will inspire others to make rail journeys to connect with people and places on their doorstep.”

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast CRP via their website.